Whale shark
The whale shark (*Rhincodon typus*) is the largest living fish and a slow-moving, filter-feeding shark.
The whale shark is the largest living fish and a filter-feeding shark. Despite its size, it is harmless to humans and feeds mainly on tiny organisms.
What it is
The whale shark is a cartilaginous fish and the largest known living fish species. Its huge mouth and filter-feeding anatomy are adapted for straining small prey from seawater.
Where it lives
Whale sharks occur in marine environments worldwide, especially in tropical and warm waters. They are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean rather than on the seafloor.
Human interactions and conservation
Whale sharks are generally harmless to people and are often described as gentle giants. The species is considered Endangered, with populations affected by fishing, bycatch and collisions with ships.
In short
- Largest living fish species.
- Filter feeder that eats plankton and small organisms.
- Found in tropical and warm oceans worldwide.
- Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Whale sharks are of interest to Canadian readers through aquarium and marine-science education, ocean conservation reporting, and global biodiversity discussions, though they are not native to Canadian waters.
Quick questions
What is a whale shark?
How big is a whale shark?
Are whale sharks dangerous to humans?
Sources
- Marine Megafauna — https://marinemegafauna.org/whale-sharks/factsSupports: Largest fish, diet items, harmless to humans, lifespan estimate.
- National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/whale-sharksSupports: Scientific name, size context, diet, non-aggressive nature, lifespan estimate.
- PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/whale-shark-fact-sheet/Supports: Largest extant fish, size, harmless nature, lifespan estimate.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/whale-sharkSupports: Scientific name, size, lifespan, endangered status.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/whale-sharkSupports: Largest living fish, distribution, lifespan range.
- Florida Museum of Natural History — https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/whale-shark/Supports: Pelagic habitat and maximum size.
- Greenpeace — https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/oceans/wildlife-facts/whale-shark/Supports: Global warm-water distribution, diet, lifespan estimate.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution — https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-learning-hub/ocean-facts/whale-shark/Supports: Diet composition and feeding mode.